Robinson


Select Robinson Surname Genealogy

A patronymic name meaning "son of Robin," mainly to be found in the north of England.  It is said that the name was originally made popular by Robin Goodfellow, whose mischievous tricks were later described in Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream, and perhaps even more so by Robin of Locksley, otherwise known as Robin Hood.

The first recorded reference was to a Richard Robynson in Yorkshire in 1324.  Surname variants have been Robison and Robeson.  

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Select Robinson Names

Jack Robinson is a fictional name in the usage: that something is done faster "than you can say Jack Robinson."  Its origins are uncertain.   
John Robinson was the pastor of the Pilgrim Fathers before they left for America and is considered as one of the founders of the Congregational Church.
Sir John Robinson was a leading political figure in Upper Canada in the early 1800's.
Edward G. Robinson, born Emanuel Goldenburg from a Romanian Jewish family, was an acclaimed American movie actor in the 1930's and 1940's. 
Jackie Robinson was the black baseball player who broke the color bar in the national game.
Sugar Ray Robinson was an acclaimed American boxer.
Mary Robinson was the first woman President of Ireland.

Select Robinsons Today

  • 188,000 in the UK (most numerous in Tyne and Wear)
  • 145,000 in America (most numerous in Texas)
  • 71,000 elsewhere (most numerous in Australia)
Robinson is the #14 ranked surname in the UK.